by Robyn Corum
“Yeah. Old Walt. Left it here for you quite a while back. Come on in.”
Boone reached to grab for Mindy, but she jerked past him and followed the big man into the saloon. It was a dark place. The small gas lamps had not been lit, and the only light came from the front window and the open door. The owner skirted tables with padded chairs pushed underneath and led them to a stained oak bar.
He turned to face Mindy. “I thought a lot of your uncle. Hated to hear when he got so sick. Then he came in one day and asked me to hold a deed for his sister. I was starting to worry that no one was coming.” He went around to the back of the bar. “Hang on a minute, I gotta find the dad-blamed thing.”
“That’s no problem at all,” Mindy said smugly.
When she turned to Boone, she noticed a man sitting at one of the tables with his head slumped onto his arms. A bottle and a glass rested near his head. Peanut shells were scattered over the rest of the table. Her eyes turned sad. “Oh, look. Poor man. I wonder what’s wrong with him.”
Boone rolled his eyes. “We’ve got to get you out of here.”
“I’m not going anywhere and that’s my final word on the matter!”
Boone’s eyebrows lowered and he shook his head. “You are one unique item, little lady.” He removed his hat and rubbed his head. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to put up with this foolishness.”
“There is no need to,” Mindy said, raising her voice. “Leave me alone!”
The barkeep rose from behind the bar with a sheaf of papers in his hand. “There’s a letter for you, too,” he said. “I sure am sorry.”
Mindy turned. “The undertaker said you took care of the funeral arrangements as well, Mr. Kirby. I’ll be paying you back for that.” She dug into her reticule.
“That’s not necessary. Walt was a friend.” The man took off his hat. “He was a friend to a lot of people here in this town. A real generous man. My girls all loved him.”
“How sweet you are for saying so!”
“I’ll just bet they loved him,” Boone said under his breath.
Mindy whirled. “What do you mean by that? Are you slandering my uncle?”
Boone turned to the bartender. “We’ll take that deed off your hands now.”
“Not until I pay him for the funeral!”
Music started plinking in the background. A piano player was limbering his fingers and dancing out a few notes on the keyboard in the corner.
“It’s time to go,” Boone said.
Just then, a tall, silver-haired lady sashayed down a stairway at the side of the saloon. She watched the couple argue for a minute before saying, “She don’t like you, cowboy. Maybe you’d like to find someone else to spend your time with.” She winked.
Mindy couldn’t help but note the undertone to the suggestion. Her back stiffened and her fingers fisted. “He absolutely would not!”
Boone glanced down at her. His eyes widened.
“Can I buy you a drink?” the lady purred, with all her attention focused on Boone.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. We’re not staying that long.” He smiled at Mindy, and then glanced back at the voluptuous woman. “Maybe some other time.”
“Oooh … you would, wouldn’t you? You just can’t ever remember that little wife of yours, can you? Maybe I should go back over to the store and tell her what you’re about!”
“I’ve told you before, don’t you worry about my wife!”
“Somebody needs to,” Mindy replied, with a lowered voice. She pulled money out of her purse and laid it on the polished surface of the wooden bar. “There,” she told the man behind it. “There’s thirty-five dollars.”
“Now, let’s get out of here,” Boone said.
“I’m not going anywhere with you!”
“Well, I say you are!”
“And I say she’s not.” It was a male voice. Mindy and Boone turned to see Lucas standing in the doorway. The sunlight made a halo around his blond head and his tall shadow lay across the floor of the bar. His face was cloudy with rage. He spoke straight to Mindy. “I’ve been hunting you all morning. And I find you in a saloon? With him?”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Mindy blushed red as Lucas stomped into the barroom. She was embarrassed over such a display, even if there were only a couple of observers.
“It’s not a saloon, Lucas,” Mindy said, controlling her temper as best she could. These two men drove her up the wall! “It’s the saloon. I came to collect the deed my uncle left to my mother. But I don’t see why I should have to explain things to you, or inform you of my comings and goings.”
“I would have been happy to accompany you. There was no reason for you to … disturb … Boone with this mission. It doesn’t look right for a young lady to be out with a married man.”
Mindy bristled. “And why should it be any of your business who I spend time with? You’ve asked to court me, not control me!”
• • •
Boone’s ears perked up. So, they were a pair, now. She hadn’t mentioned it. On the other hand, she didn’t seem too happy about the situation. He smiled.
“I apologize,” said Lucas. “Of course you’re right. But I wish you would consider your reputation.”
“What reputation?” Mindy demanded. “I don’t know the people of this town. They don’t know me. If they take my actions in the wrong way, I’m sorry, but that doesn’t stop me from doing what needs to be done.”
Boone agreed. Mindy never cared for propriety when she had made up her mind about something. He nodded his head, continuing to smile. Then he spoke. “I can see that Lucas has things well under control. I can leave you in his competent hands.” Then, just to be evil, he said to Mindy, “Thanks. For everything.”
Confusion settled on Mindy’s face and Lucas flushed. Boone smiled even wider. “I guess I’ll see y’all around.”
• • •
Mindy watched Boone exit the bar, still puzzling over his last remark.
“What, exactly, did that mean?” Lucas demanded.
“I haven’t the slightest idea.”
“It’s time to get out of here.” Lucas took Mindy by the arm and almost dragged her from the establishment. Once they were outside, she jerked her arm away.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m trying to take care of you!”
“Well, stop it! I’ve had people taking care of me all my life! I’ve made it this far on my own and I reckon I can make it the rest of the way!” Mindy’s eyes were glowing. She had worked herself into a fine lather. “Furthermore, if you continue to treat me like a child, I will have no choice but to think there is too great a disparagement in our ages! Perhaps I need to look for someone closer to my own age!”
“No, no, now, Mindy. Let’s don’t go that far. I’m just worried about you, is all,” Lucas said, seeming to realize that he’d pushed her to the wall. “You have to look at it from my side.” He reached for her hands, but she jerked them away.
“I suggest you look at my backside while I walk away!” Mindy roared. She left Lucas standing open mouthed on the boardwalk.
• • •
May 25, 1880
Dear Melinda,
I am writing to you as I sit in the parlor, looking out the window. The flowers are blooming in abundance and there is a pleasant breeze blowing. It is truly lovely here and I wish you were home to see it. With each passing day, I worry more about you, and despise my decision to allow you to travel alone. What was I thinking? I pray that you are well.
The boys are good. I had a note from their teacher last week, saying that all but one are passing their courses in a fine manner. I suppose you can guess who happens to be the odd man out. Yes! Quinn! He is determined not to do his studies. The boy will be the death of me.
Your sisters are well and they each send their love. Little Sophie kisses your picture each time she visits and says she will kiss you when you return!
Gertrude Winegartner was married two wee
ks ago. She was beautiful in a rose satin gown and white veil. I think she and Robert will be quite happy together. That reminds me to tell you that Richard Peters has been by several times asking about you. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was sweet on you! You might consider giving him a chance when you return.
Edward Hardy took a case of the grippe two weeks ago and was in bed for six days. He had a fever most of the time. I had Bet take some chicken soup by. I know you would want to hear of it.
Mimmer Haygood got mauled by a threshing machine Thursday last. The physician is not sure if he will live or die. His wife would appreciate prayers on his behalf, I’m sure.
There also was a fire in the Town Hall not long ago. A gas pipe of some sort burst, but it was extinguished quickly enough that the structure remains largely intact.
In regard to the property, please take care of this issue as soon as you are able. I would love to see you home! Luther Mills said he heard unsettled land in Kansas is selling for three to five dollars per acre! Please be careful whom you do business with. The world is full of unscrupulous men. And women, for that matter.
Elizabeth asks for you frequently. If you have a moment, please write to her.
I pray for you daily.
I can think of nothing more to write at this time, but shall write again soon. You have my heart until I see you again. Until then, I shall remain,
Your Loving Mother,
Sordie McCorkle
• • •
September 15, 1879
Sordie,
I am sorry to leve you in such a pickle, what with having to take care of the property this way. I relize you are not a spring chiken any more and hope that the treveling has been easy on you.
You will find that Tipton is not a bad place. I heve enjoyed my time here imminsly. I have made good friends that I will miss derely. With luck, they will miss me as well.
I no this letter may upset you, but do not be dismayed, for I have made piece with my God and an redy to go if needs be.
You will find the homeplace easy. It is four miles out of town on the west road. There is a large bolder by the house for it was too large to be moved.
You are welcome to all I own. I hope that you or the children will come to love it as I do. I have spent many yers in hard work to see it to this point.
Trudy Mae is buried in the yard out back underneth the oak tree. I loved her well and now I can see her agin.
Plese do not be sad. All my love. I am now and will forever remain,
Your brother,
Walter Shotgun Larby
• • •
Mindy sat on the bed after she had read both letters, overcome with homesickness. Taking out a lace-edged hanky, she dabbed at the tears that freely flowed down her face. Poor Uncle Walter! She wished the family had been notified of his sickness so that someone could have been with him at the end. She made up her mind to go take a look at the property, rather than sell it outright. She needed to visit the home, touch the things, and see Aunt Trudy Mae’s grave.
Having made up her mind to her next course of action, she was about to lie down for a nap when there was a knock on the door.
When she opened it, she was surprised to find Lucas standing in the doorway, his hat in his hand. “Mindy, please don’t send me away,” he said. “I’ve thought about my actions today, and I deeply regret them. I hope you will forgive me and give me another chance.” He looked at her with hangdog eyes.
Mindy sniffed. “I’m not sure, Lucas. I’ll have to think about it.”
“That’s fine! Think all you want. But I’ve had an idea. I figure you’ll be wanting to go and see that property you have now, and I thought perhaps we could go together and take a proper picnic lunch.”
Mindy paused. She did need to visit her uncle’s home place, there was no doubt of that. She put one finger to her lip and peered at Lucas. “Do we understand that I am in control of my own life?”
“Yes, ma’am! I stepped out of line and I know it.” Lucas truly appeared miserable. “I care for you, Mindy. I’d like a chance to show you.”
He looked so sad and sincere that Mindy’s heart couldn’t help but thaw. She’d spent an age with him on the road and she knew in her heart he was a good man, if a little zealous at times. Besides, he might be the only hope she ever had of settling down.
“All right, then,” Mindy said.
“Fine! I know you’ll be happy with this decision. I’ll have a buggy ready for us in the morning!”
When Mindy would have closed the door, he continued to stand there. “Yes? Is there something else?”
“Well, I wondered if you might join me for supper again?”
Mindy smiled inside. This was a new feeling and it was dangerously heady. “No, I think I will retire early this evening. It’s been a stressful day.” She glared at him.
“Yes, yes. I understand. May I ask one more thing? Why did you change rooms? I told you I would take care of the expense. I only want the best for you, Mindy.”
“And make me indebted to you? No, thank you!”
Something in Lucas’s eyes flared but was soon quenched. “As you like it. I will see you first thing in the morning.”
Mindy closed the door, leaned against it, and breathed an exhilarated sigh. A man! Following her to apologize! Who would have ever thought!
Chapter Twenty-Four
Boone’s sister, Becky, pulled up at the old home place. She helped Terese down from the wagon and entered her mother’s house. The large receiving room was bright and cheerful, in part due to the late afternoon sun gliding through the windows. White wallpaper covered the walls with a brown, repeated star motif. The wood trim was painted a cheerful yellow, and mauve drapes with tassels hung from the two tall windows. Family photos lined the walls: black and white pictures of stern-looking people. A faded landscape painting hung over an ornate fireplace.
“Mother?” Becky called.
Terese didn’t wait for an answer but ran through the house, hollering, “Nonny, Nonny!”
Mrs. Boone came out of the kitchen wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “Hello, you two! What a nice surprise.” She swung Terese onto her hip. “How’s Terri today?”
“She’s fine, Nonny,” Terese said with a giggle.
“Mother, please. It’s Terese.”
“You may as well give that up, Becky. This little girl is going to be known as Terri.” She looked at the girl in her arms. “Aren’t you?”
“Uh huh!”
Mrs. Boone set Terri down. “Myrtle has her pups in the kitchen, you want to go look at them?”
“Yes, ma’am!” the little girl said with a huge grin.
“Well, go on then, but be gentle.”
Terri nodded and skipped into the kitchen.
Becky leaned forward and gave her mother a peck on the cheek. “How has your day been?” she asked. “Because mine has been very interesting.”
“Really? How so?”
“Terese and I saw Gary at the general store today. He has evidently given some young woman the impression that I am his wife.” Becky smiled in a crooked way. “Now, why do you suppose he would do a thing like that?”
“I don’t know,” said her mother. “But I’ve had the feeling he had a girl on his mind. This is interesting.”
“She’s a sweet little thing. Nice as she could be. But I got the impression there was a lot more going on there than was being said.”
“I assume she’s new in town,” Mrs. Boone said with a speculative gleam in her eye. “I bet she doesn’t know a soul … We should invite her to lunch.”
Becky’s eyes widened. “Oh, mother. Do we dare?” There was a tremble of excitement to her voice.
“I don’t see why not. It’s simply the courteous thing to do.”
Becky threw her arms around her mother. “Sometimes I am reminded all over again how much I love you!”
“Oh, hush that up. Now go get me some paper and a pencil and I’ll write the note right
away, before I have to get back to supper.”
“And I can deliver it in the morning.”
“Good. Let’s get this out of the way and then you can help me peel potatoes. The Hortons are coming for supper and you know how that man eats!”
• • •
Lee and Rich Byler were crossing into more familiar territory. It had been a hard, long ride and they had covered over ninety miles in three days, avoiding the towns of Great Bend, Pawnee Rock, and Burdett, for fear of their names being broadcast.
They were only a few miles from home, headed for a small, ramshackle spread just beyond Dodge City. One brother suggested a saloon stop to celebrate their victory, before they had to report the death of their two siblings to their mother.
Both boys knew their mother would take it hard, and they weren’t looking forward to telling her. Now that they were getting close, any stop they could make would have seemed like a good idea. The opportunity to buy a few drinks and show off their newfound wealth was something they couldn’t resist. With a population of just over one thousand people, Dodge City was a boomtown, and the boys hoped they could ease past without anyone giving them a second glance.
They clicked up the dusty, crowded Front Street of Dodge City, throwing dirt behind them. Small kids came out and ran behind their horses, playing a dangerous game of seeing how close they could get to the horses’ hooves.
As they traveled closer to the stockyard, they were forced to ride through a herd of beeves that had been brought in for sale. The Bylers shoved at them with their boots as they passed, urging their horses forward and cussing at the cowboys who were leading the longhorns.
Once past the cattle, the brothers were able to set their horses at a small gallop as they passed several businesses on each side.